There is no telling when the Parson would have stopped talking if it had not been for that sudden exclamation, which made the six jump in surprise. It is needless to say that it came from Texas; during the conversation Texas had started on a private investigation, rambling around the clearing, like a bloodhound on a trail. The result had been his cry.
His companions, even the Parson, made a dash for the spot, demanding eagerly to know what was the matter. By way of answer Powers pointed to the ground. It was small wonder that he had exclaimed aloud; in the soft earth there was a deep footprint. It was of a human foot, and it was bare!
Robinson Crusoe was not one whit more amazed at his discovery than were the seven cadets over this exactly similar one. They stood and gazed at it in silent astonishment; and then suddenly the meaning of it flashed over them all and they glanced about them in terror.
“By George!” cried Mark, “it’s that wild man!”
“He must have been starving,” said Mark, lowering his voice instinctively. “By George! this isn’t a very pleasant state of affairs!”
“Oo-oo! Let’s run!” gasped Indian. “Bless my soul!”
None of them ran, but it would be only fair to say that all of them wanted to. And it was noticeable that nobody offered any objection to returning home very soon. After all, why should they stay? all traces of their feast were gone.
“I’ll feel a little more comfortable in camp,” observed Mark, “where my musket and bayonet aren’t so far away. Come on.”
“I reckon,” chuckled Texas, triumphantly, “you won’t be so ’fraid o’ letting me carry my guns after this. Hey?”
“I shan’t mind to-night, anyway,” was the answer. “We’ll probably have more than one enemy to watch out for. But we’ll fool ’em all, I hope. How about it, Texas?”